A. Eligible applicants must submit a completed grant application by the application deadline listed in the RFA in order to be eligible for review.

B. The application deadline for this round is November 29, 2024. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated against scoring criteria included in these instructions. A minimum score of 70 must be met. Applicants will be notified of the approved/denied status within six months.

C. Grant applications will be awarded based on availability of program funding and merit of the proposal based upon evaluation criteria included in this application. If the applicant does not meet eligibility per Agriculture & Markets (AGM) CHAPTER 69, ARTICLE 25-AA, SECTION 301, Subdivision 11. ‘farm operation’ they will not be considered

D. These are reimbursable grants. Only projects/activities that occur after the application approval date are eligible for reimbursement. Closeout packages must provide necessary documentation per each category before reimbursement is issued. All closeout packages, materials, bills and/or invoices provided as proof of completion must be submitted to WAC by the date provided in the approval letter to receive reimbursement.

E. Payment will not be issued to participants who are not in good standing with WAC

F. To receive the grant award, applicants must submit W9, receipts, invoices and other proper documentation following requirements described.

G. Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 in grant funding.

H. Approved applications are subject to cancellation after six months. Staff may grant extensions upon request pending approval by the WAC’s Economic Viability Committee.

• Prior to issuing payment, WAC will review the Closeout Package to ensure conformity with the approved application and EV guidelines. After this review WAC will submit payment directly to the applicant in accordance with the criteria in each category. These are reimbursable grants. Closeout packages must provide necessary documentation per each category before reimbursement is issued. All materials, bills and/or invoices provided as proof of completion of the project must be submitted to WAC by the date provided in approval letter in order to receive reimbursement. 

• The Economic Viability Micro Grants Program is funded by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the City and its residents. Consumers of City water are the beneficiaries of the measures to be implemented under the grants program because of its effect on the NYC Watershed. The Council is funded by the NYC DEP, USDA, U.S. Forest Service and other sources. EOE/EOP © 2024.

• Grant recipients agree that a copy of all materials and documents, written or otherwise, which has been funded by this grant, may be available to WAC upon request to confirm project completion.

• One of the benefits of the Economic Viability Program is its ability to explore innovative methods for enhancing economic viability in the Watershed. To maximize this benefit the WAC Economic Viability Committee encourages a creative atmosphere that is receptive to new grant categories consistent with funding requirements.

If you need assistance completing the application or if you have any other questions please contact the Economic Viability Program by email here. Thank you for your interest in our Economic Viability Micro Grants Program.

Support activities related to expanding and/or starting fruit and vegetable production to increase producer viability. 

1. Eligible activities: row cover support, winter season extension projects, small tunnel projects and operational expansion related items.
2. Applicants must submit a business/operation overview identifying how funding will support expansion, increased viability and/or productivity of operations. 
3. Applicants must submit a comprehensive project overview including budget and timeline for completion. 
4. Only projects/activities that occur after the application approval date are eligible for reimbursement.
5. Prior to payment the applicant must complete and submit a Greenhouse and/or Raised Bed Expansion Closeout Package. The Closeout Package will need to include all invoices related to the project, proof of payment, estimated economic impact and a completed W9.

Support agricultural projects and purchases related to water management that aim to help agricultural producers expand and/or initiate fruit and vegetable production.

1. Eligible activities: wash station support, irrigation needs, well development, and projects that relate to heavy storm events, overall rainfall and periods of drought.
2. Applicants must submit a business/operation overview identifying how funding will support expansion, increased viability and/or productivity of operations. 
3. Applicants must submit a comprehensive project overview including budget and timeline for completion.
4. Only projects/activities that occur after the application approval date are eligible for reimbursement.
5. Prior to payment the applicant must complete and submit a Water Access Reimbursement Closeout Package. The Closeout Package will need to include all invoices related to the project, proof of payment, estimated economic impact related to the business/operation, and a completed W9.

Support structural needs as related to the development of vegetable and fruit expansion of business operation.

1. Eligible activities: insect and bird netting, deer fencing, cold storage, tables, bulk bins and crates necessary for transport and pest control.
2. Applicants must submit a business/operation overview identifying how funding will support expansion, increased viability and/or productivity. 
3. Applicants must submit a comprehensive project overview including budget and timeline for completion.
4. Only projects/activities that occur after the application approval date are eligible for reimbursement.
5. Prior to payment the applicant must complete and submit a Farm Structure Reimbursement Closeout Package. The Closeout Package will need to include all invoices related to the project, proof of payment, estimated economic impact and a completed W9.